Bihar uploads clips of corrupt officials

Patna: The Bihar government has uploaded clips of complaints against Bihar officials who allegedly sought bribes to implement welfare schemes.

The aim, Rural Development Minister Nitish Mishra said, was "to embarrass and expose the officials".

"We have uploaded clips of complaints against officials who demanded bribes from the poorest of the poor in connection with the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY)," Mishra told a news agency. "It is a big hit."
Mishra had vowed nearly two months ago to use YouTube as a tool to expose the corrupt and bribe seekers.

Nearly one million people living below the poverty line were given in August the first instalment of money under IAY to build houses.

The government directed all district officials to make arrangements to record video of complaints by beneficiaries of IAY at the camps.

The move follows increasing complaints by villagers about officials asking for bribes to get work done with respect to the IAY.

The minister said the government had lodged police complaints against 72 officials. "We have also issued show cause notices against them."

The central government has sanctioned over Rs 3,000 crore to build IAY houses this year.